Page 71 of Ride with Zane

Blue tenses before moving away.

“Don’t be silly,” Kelly scoffs. “What’s new?”

I shrug. “A lot happened but I’m good, I will catch up later, promise but I’m happy.”

“I can tell,” she links her arm with mine.

“So… you and Blue, huh?”

“W-what? No, no, Ash, what the hell!” I arch a brow and she sighs. “Okay, I like him. A lot but…”

“Ash!” Luke and the Devils come closer to hug me. “I did it.”

He did what? “Eagles?”

He ranks his fingers through his hair. “Yep, starting from new week.”

“I’m so freaking proud of you.” I squeeze him tight. “And your dad?”

“Will be my agent.” He winks at me while waves at Amanda. “Hey, Rock.”

I turn around to find him with a smile on his face. “Gotta go guys, catch you up later.”

“We need to celebrate yours too.” He grins. Of course he knows it already. Figures. Raven can’t shut her mouth, bragging around is her new hobby.

“ZBE will be there for you, guys.” Rock kisses the top of my head.

Peering around I can feel the vibrant atmosphere, filled with the aroma of delicious food, the sounds of laughter and music, and the joyful energy of the crowd. The Black Panthers stand tall, their presence commanding and reassuring. They keep a watchful eye on everyone, ensuring the safety of the fairgoers, and their dedication is evident.How can people not see it too?

As the mayor takes the stage for his speech, I find myself holding my breath. “Good evening, folks.” He pauses while the crowd gathers in front of the change. “Does this thing work? Can you hear me?”

“No,” someone shouts back, making us laugh.

“Nice try, Liam,” Dave smiles. “Each year we make this fair bigger and unforgettable, but this year I want to announce something that goes beyond any imagination.” He tries to wait until all of eyes are glued to him. “Okay, now that I have your attention I admit it’s intimidating.”

A giggle escapes me, gaining a wink from Uncle Dave. He and Dad were brothers in the army and since I can remember I always called him such.

“Come over here Miss Harrison, let’s see how brave you are.”

I’m not shy, never been. Since kindergarten I’ve always been in front of cameras and as a skater, I’m used to talking with the public but tonight there are people I know since I was born.

Rock kisses the top of my head and I move forward.

The applause and whistles from The Black Panthers and Devils, the hockey team, rises, making me blush. “Good evening, everyone.” Dave circles my shoulder, and my heart pounds in my chest.

“We all know you’re a star on skates but still you’re hiding a secret, aren’t you?”

“I am,” I giggle. “and that’s both because once announcing we may have the nosey press over here and also for a more personal reason.”

“Spill the bean Ash, what’s up?” Luke shouts.

“I was three when Mom took me to Icylight, and since then the ice skates have become my shoes.” I glance at Dad and smile. “Dad always said I first learned to skate and then to walk.” The laughter of the crowd warms my heart. “Truth is, when you have a passion it becomes part of you and mine next year, will lead me to represent our town and our country at the Olympics.” Dad and Rock start to whistles at unison as the confetti pops over scaring me. My heart stops, but Rock’s thumbs up relaxes me. “Nice move, but it’s a little too much, I haven’t won yet.”

“Yet,” Mac shouts, making me shake my head.

Turning my attention to The Black Panthers, I continue. “I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to The Black Panthers.” The murmur begins and I already know I’m going to lose my shit if they don’t stop. “Some or all of you may label them as a gang, outlaws, people to stay away from.” I take a deep breath in. “What you don’t know is they’ve been here even before Newtok existed. What else you don’t know is The Black Panthers and the sheriff department work together to keep this town safe.”

“They’re dangerous!” a woman’s voice echoes backed up by several agreements.

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